REACH 151 - GDP -7% in 3rd Quarter (SK)
14 Oct 2020 (11am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:52 am, 14/10/2020] +: Dear contributors,
Welcome back! π
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Megan π
REACH
[11:02 am, 14/10/2020] +: π’ Today's Topic π’
How have you benefitted from the COVID-19 Budget? What do you think citizens can do more of to manage some of the personal impact of the long-term economic challenges in their lives?
The Singapore economy shrank at a slower pace of 7 per cent in the third quarter from the same period last year. MTI said the improved performance of the Singapore economy came on the back of the phased re-opening of the economy following the "circuit breaker".
The Government has also set aside close to S$100 billion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting four Budgets from February to May and an additional round of tapered support in August. All of these measures have “substantially cushioned” the economic damage, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in Parliament last week.
New measures and extensions to several support initiatives were announced by Mr Heng on Oct 5, and these will be discussed when Parliament sits on Wednesday.
π https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-gdp-shrinks-7-per-cent-covid-19-circuit-breaker-reopen-13278366
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[11:03 am, 14/10/2020] +: @REACH Singapore Eh OG Megan I ask you ah, who repeat their comments and also in CAPS until you have to post that π I confirm not here, confirm is other group piss you off cuz you guys send the same messages to all the Gs
[11:04 am, 14/10/2020] +: π€«☝π»☺️
+ changed the group description. Click to view.
[11:06 am, 14/10/2020] +: Good morning Megan!
[11:08 am, 14/10/2020] +: Ok lai I add a bit to your topic
I came across an article not too long ago saying how many people don't know how much they actually spend on subscriptions - I think to cut costs, people can definitely review their expenses and not just rely or wait to rely on assistance - this way, the burden will be reduced to the furthest extent possible :)
[11:11 am, 14/10/2020] +: Morning :)
[11:11 am, 14/10/2020] +65 9839 8485: Whatever funds was given, I saved them all when I could afford them. Otherwise used them to offset WFH expenses
[11:12 am, 14/10/2020] +: The cash disbursements and Skillsfuture top up were used for my school fees, so thank you Ah Gong! I hope the govt can consider allowing the use of Skillsfuture credits for immediate family members, cos my hubby's creds are untouched. Nothing he can really use it for, and he would really have liked to use them for my school fees...
[11:32 am, 14/10/2020] +: Should allow for transfer within immediate family members if left untouched
[11:35 am, 14/10/2020] +: All useful yes - the mortgage deferment, the cash disbursement, the skills future top-up. They were all utilised and helpful.
[11:36 am, 14/10/2020] +: Gain better understanding on the long term financial requirements from an independent source. FA's are too focused on selling policies for commission.
[11:36 am, 14/10/2020] +: Adjust their expectations and spending to see them through this difficult time.
[11:38 am, 14/10/2020] +: Understand the difference in their spending patterns - investment, recreation, necessity and prudence. Buying cheap can often be more expensive in the long run. Maybe spend less on items/services that have no longevity. Find creative ways to spend times so to be less consumer focused.
[11:39 am, 14/10/2020] +: Try to buy less from abroad and support local services and suppliers. I see our prices here are often 30% more than buying online from overseas for the same item. That's a problem we need to fix.
[11:40 am, 14/10/2020] +: Try to find skills that can supplement income - ideally online services that we can sell overseas.
[11:41 am, 14/10/2020] +: yes!!! especially skincare products! sometimes the difference is almost 50% for some brands and local shops are very ngiao with giving samples.
[11:43 am, 14/10/2020] +: Some of the biz people are having difficulty with getting the second 2 months rent support in the 4 months rent support
[11:43 am, 14/10/2020] +: Bcos need to show FS and other stuff to prove 35% drop in biz
[11:43 am, 14/10/2020] +: Yes - it makes no sense. People will just buy from overseas and wait a few days longer to save the cost.
[11:44 am, 14/10/2020] +: but if got multiple outlets in different malls or location, why should the owner show each and every landlord his full biz FS
[11:45 am, 14/10/2020] +: also it is very sensitive info
[11:45 am, 14/10/2020] +: yah lor... that's what i've been doing also. I bought a BB cream from a korea direct seller. it cost me about $10.90 including shipping. Singapore proper retailer: $29.60
[11:46 am, 14/10/2020] +: G should consider making the 3rd & 4th month rent support to be same as 1st and 2nd month rent support. Then biz people will not have so much headache
[11:48 am, 14/10/2020] +: This is a good example and one that will become the norm if not addressed for many items. We will lose our local retailers and see SGD go abroad if we cannot create a proper retail structure that deals with the transition to global online shopping.
[11:51 am, 14/10/2020] +: oh, and the $29.60 is offer price. normal retail $32.90. that's almost 3x the price
[11:52 am, 14/10/2020] +: The excel spreadsheet on IRAS website had been helpful to some biz to understand why G say give 2 mth+2mths, net calculation by landlord only 1 month. Tenants normally dont trust the landlords much, but all trust IRAS website.
[11:53 am, 14/10/2020] +: π¬
[11:54 am, 14/10/2020] +: now biz people compare and know which of their landlords are making a lot of money from them
[11:54 am, 14/10/2020] +: but bobian if want the location gotta pay to prime price
[11:55 am, 14/10/2020] +: sorry if i am boring u guys. but i think G needs to hear rent pains
[11:55 am, 14/10/2020] +: Location is less important these days..... likely a big change coming to commercial lease business.
[11:56 am, 14/10/2020] +: actually, "rent" is beyond government's control, especially for shopping mall
[11:56 am, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
CNA
Commentary: Looks like China has its own '+1' strategy and Southeast Asia is it
By Lau Kong Cheen, Vanessa Liu
12 Oct 2020 06:12AM (Updated: 12 Oct 2020 08:08AM)
"It is worth emphasising that China appears ahead of the global curve when it comes to restarting the economy following months of lockdown, and many of the reasons why companies are in China in the first place still hold true today," Alan Beebe, President of AmCham China, was quoted in an Apr 17 press release detailing a joint survey with PwC of 25 US companies in China.
"As a result, we expect to see companies adopting a 'China + 1' strategy as a way to diversify supply chain risks while tapping into China market opportunities."
CHINA’S + 1
However, recent trends point to China adopting its own “+1” strategy. Southeast Asia appears to be at the heart of that approach, particularly for China tech behemoths.
For instance, just in the first seven months of last year alone, as the trade war with China gained speed, Chinese companies invested approximately US$1.78 billion (S$2.44 billion) into tech start-ups in the region, including Malaysia’s Easy Parcel, Singapore’s livestreaming company Bigo and Indonesia’s Tokopedia by Chinese companies.
Recently, Chinese tech companies such as Bytedance, Alibaba and Tencent have been investing in business initiatives in Singapore.
Bytedance, the company that owns TikTok, announced plans to invest billions of dollars and recruit hundreds of employees in Singapore over the next three years.
Similarly, Tencent will be opening its regional hub in Singapore while Alibaba intends to invest US$3 billion in Southeast Asian-focused ride-hailing company Grab.
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[7:10 pm, 31/08/2020 ] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Part 4 - Foreign Affair Policy - that promote trade, business, investment, travel.
(1) As Singapore depends on the World to be our market - to survive and to thrive - we need to be the Air hub, Port hub, Data hub, Finance hub, Manufacturing hub, Medical hub, Food hub, Water hub, Energy hub etc.
(2) To build up all these "Hubs" --- we need to have a good, balance and fair foreign affairs policies --- to make friends, and to achieve mutual benefits with all our Stakeholders in the World.
(3) Hence we must put forward a Holisitc Foreign Affairs Policy Principle and Statement - so that our Foreign stakeholders understand our position and will want to be friends and do business with us :-
"Be Friends with All,
Be enemies with None.
Forge Mutual Benefits with Win-Win outcome".
"ζε滑倩δΈ。
ζδΊΊζ δΈδΈͺ。
δ»₯ιζ ιε©ηε ±θ―，θΎΎζεθ΅’ηη»ζ。“ （For Chinese speaking Nations and Friends".
(4) We have forge an impressive arrays of Bilateral FTAs (Sing-US, Sing-India, Sing-Australia, Sing-New Zealand, Sing-Japan, Sing-S Korea etc.) and Multi-lateral FTAs (eg. CPTPP, Sing-China and Greater China, Sing-ASEAN, Sing-EU, Sing-Africa, Sing-Russia and Central Asia) etc and will be on the way to secure the RCEP come the end of this year hopefully).
This multi-layer of FTAs - has created tremendous opportunities for our business in trade, investment and business - and have created many jobs for all.
But geopolitical tussle - are threatening to unravel these FTAs in which we have thrive in. Then we need to look at the following point.
(5) Currently, there is an intense "Geopolitical tension" going on - specifically US-China trade war, tech war etc plus US-World trade war.
Global Supply Chain have been disrupted.
We need to see how the global supply chain has shifted ---- and *China plus ASEAN ---- known as "China plus One" supply chain has taken place --- a strategy to avoid the punitive sanctions place on China export.
Hope Singapore did not miss this boat --- and is able to sezie the changing dynamics and insert ourselves into this "China plus One" supply chain.
(6) Covid has also cause many Countries to lockdown and prevent overseas travellers from travelling to our hub.
- Thus we need to adopt systematic, surgical and safe bi-lateral agreement to attract overseas travellers to our Country - eg. business travellers, tourists, MICE etc by coining "ring-fence" air bubbles and "safe tunneling" air corridors ---- to reboot our air hub, tourism, retail, f&b and tourist spots.
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[11:56 am, 14/10/2020] +: yah... cos commercial agreement...
[11:57 am, 14/10/2020] +: prestigious mall will incur higher management fee, aka maintenance fee for the upkeep, that will directly drive up the rental cost
[11:57 am, 14/10/2020] +: π€
[11:57 am, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Yes. China plus one will be China ASEAN strategy.
Singapore is the gateway and core of China ASEAN strategy.
[11:57 am, 14/10/2020] +: and all these are actually decided by the "owners" of the lot/shops during their yearly general meeting
[12:02 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
My comments: Yes Singapore has won the high tech companies over from US-China tech war.
Singapore is a safe haven for these high tech companies and we have good R&D talents in Singapore.
My close friend comments: Our children hopefully also enjoy better tech career prospects
My comments:- Yes, this will provide good jobs for our children.
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[12:02 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Straits Times
More than 900 SIA A-380 lunches sold out in half an hour
PUBLISHED OCT 12, 2020, 12:09 PM SGTUPDATEDOCT 12, 2020, 6:28 PM
More than 900 seats that were available for Singapore Airlines' (SIA's) Restaurant A380 @ Changi dining experience were sold out within 30 minutes after bookings opened on Monday (Oct 12).
Customers who were unable to make a reservation after 12.30am were invited to join a wait list, which has since also been closed.
Confirming that all places were snapped up, an SIA spokesman told The Straits Times: "Given the strong demand and interest from customers, Singapore Airlines will reopen the wait list on KrisShop.com for a limited time from 6pm on Oct 12 for customers who are still interested in experiencing Restaurant A380 @ Changi."
Ms Tay added that it will be her daughter’s first time in an aircraft, and hoped that her purchase would help support the airline amid what has been a trying period for the aviation industry.
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[12:04 pm, 21/08/2020 ] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
My comments -
"SIA is now burning money.
Analysts say that airlines can only rebounds 2024 - 4 years later.
Now barely a few months, all money raised $8 over billion - half have been used up.
https://sg.yahoo.com/news/singapore-air-burns-through-half-of-cash-raised-in-two-months-022446513.html
My close friend contribution :-
SIA can explore this :-
Instead of visiting the airport, visitors also take a fake air flight with in-flight meal.
Not a bad idea as airlines can also earn revenue through such passenger visit.
Revenue not great but in support of SIA, enjoy a meal enjoy in flight entertainment. Can also have fake captain announcements.
A whole package approach -
And this is package with sg local tours and staycation initiatives.
Check in thru changi airport, board flight, enjoy meal, in flight entertainment, "disembark" received by local tour guides, check into sg hotels. Etc
Impt to invoke nationalistic response to help sg companies and businesses
Asian financial crisis, south Koreans aunties and grannies donated their gold jewelleries
My comments :-
It makes sense and visitors will feel like going for holiday.
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[12:03 pm, 14/10/2020] +: ya i know but when entered into contract, already calculated seating capacity, now due to covid 19, seating capacity reduced due to max 5 and distancing between tables, biz people would think that it is fair if landlord reduce rent by a floor area calculation by IRAS.
[12:09 pm, 14/10/2020] +: True, but still got some biz quite dependent on locations. Biz owners with multiple locations often have to use revenue from some locations to cover the losses of other locations. Traffic is important for some. We understand and appreciate G's measures to help biz but some of us are falling through the holes in the safety net.
[12:15 pm, 14/10/2020] +: That's where grab, food panda etc comes in
[12:15 pm, 14/10/2020] +: FYI all biz that i know of got their first 2 mths of rent support easily from their landlords becos it is from G. But for the 3rd & 4th mth rent support it is G make/force/strongly encouraged landlords to give to their tenants so ...
[12:17 pm, 14/10/2020] +: True, that has been helpful. Especially for those biz whereby they dont have prime location and paying prime rental.
[12:17 pm, 14/10/2020] +: my wife works as a waitress, she told me that during CB, most of the orders shifted to delivery, and daily sales actually went up
[12:18 pm, 14/10/2020] +: that's wonderful
[12:18 pm, 14/10/2020] +: ultimately, all business have to adapt to the evolving situation around the world
[12:20 pm, 14/10/2020] +: of course. But when G give, biz people want to be able to take easily and not be hindered by xxx
[12:20 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Bcos G already say GIVE
[12:20 pm, 14/10/2020] +: sorry, SUPPORT
[12:20 pm, 14/10/2020] +: or HELP
[12:23 pm, 14/10/2020] +: correct me if i'm wrong ah, but I thought all along their direction is to "guide and assist"
[12:23 pm, 14/10/2020] +: ok GUIDE and ASSIST
[12:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: That's similar to what they had been doing all along, SSO, MSF, Comcare, job fair etc
[12:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: rarely disburse out 100% assistance
[12:39 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yah, govt assistance is the last level of defence. the people are supposed to try to self-help and adapt first. if assistance is really necessary, there are various hurdles to cross so that only the ones who really need it most can get it. assistance is really a helpline and not viewed as an entitlement, and it's only good stewardship to be gatekeeping and checking the qualifying criteria.
[1:09 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Woman who repeatedly breached COVID-19 gathering rules fined S$4,000
A woman repeatedly breached COVID-19 rules barring social gatherings during the "circuit breaker" and did not pay the composition or out-of-court fines given to her.
More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/woman-repeatedly-breached-covid-19-gathering-rules-fined-4000-13280460
[1:11 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I think all of us benefitted in various ways. Some still have their jobs, some got income relief, some get daily necessities etc. The real question is where do we go from here. Leaders should be bold visionaries and not stick to status quo for too long in uncertain times. I think we may be making some headway but a more forward looking vision would serve us better to inspire and have an unattainable goal to work towards.
[1:11 pm, 14/10/2020] +: My 2.14 cents
[1:14 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Recalcitrant offender, imo, she needs some form of mental help on top of the harsh fines/jail.
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[1:25 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
China Should Accelerate Rollout of Digital Yuan, Says Central Bank Official
https://sg.yahoo.com/news/china-accelerate-rollout-digital-yuan-131823457.html
[1:27 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
When China digital yuan takes off, got to take into account how Singapore as one of the centre for yuan exchange affected by this new digital yuan.
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[1:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I think it is bad idea to distribute voucher via Sing post.
[1:35 pm, 14/10/2020] +: How to appeal if voucher gone missing? Furthermore household maybe occupied by different people. Eg tenant etc
[1:35 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157627107832227&id=92744267226&sfnsn=mo
[1:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Agree! Second case of forced open of residents letter box!
[1:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Thought is via registered post?
[1:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Should be self collected at cc!
[1:37 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Registered post means send to ur house
[1:37 pm, 14/10/2020] +: If no one at home, go post office collect
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[1:37 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Potentially any countries who take part in the digital yuan system will not need yuan currency exchange?
Or yuan currency exchange in Singapore can still participate in digital yuan with China and act as gateway to the world as currency exchange as yuan trustee to the outside world.
Then Singapore will be a useful member and gateway for China plus One ASEAN strategy.
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[1:37 pm, 14/10/2020] +: At least can also identify the person collecting it
[1:39 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Govt believe in free market forces
[1:40 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I think it's a no-win situation. If you mail it out, it's easier and immediate access for the families but now there's incidents of theft and people say not secure. If you ask them to collect in person, it's secure but people will say "Aiyah so mafan, why make it so difficult". If you push to Singpass app, it's accessible, it's secure, but "Aiyah, not everyone got smart phone". So whatever way also there will be issues.
[1:40 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes
[1:40 pm, 14/10/2020] +: π€·♀️
[1:44 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Think ppl who need it will go and collect
[1:44 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Like the mask
[1:45 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Supermarkets have e-vouchers!?
[1:45 pm, 14/10/2020] +: BTO flat prices remain ‘affordable’ at around 5 times of median annual household income or less: Desmond Lee
Market values of new Build-to-Order (BTO) flats are determined by prices of comparable resale flats nearby, individual attributes of the flat and prevailing market conditions, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 14).
Thereafter, a subsidy is applied to ensure that flats are priced at a “significant discount” to the market, he said, adding that the approach is similar for BTO flats in mature and non-mature estates.
Mr Lee was responding to a question by People’s Action Party (PAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Gan Thiam Poh about the pricing policy of BTO flats.
More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/bto-flat-prices-remain-affordable-desmond-lee-13280902
[1:46 pm, 14/10/2020] +: @+REACH never reach out to us on this.
[1:46 pm, 14/10/2020] +: the grocery vouchers are already for people who need it, so only low income families will get it. the mask is a bit different, cos it's made available for all but not everyone need.
[1:48 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yes, but e-vouchers need smart phone or at least some access to technology. a number of low income families are older folk who are not tech-inclined and may not have a smartphone or access to a laptop at home.
[1:50 pm, 14/10/2020] +: another way i can think of which would've been more secure would be to credit the $150 to the family's account with the Comcare assistance payouts. but i'm not sure if these grocery vouchers are under the same scheme, and secondly, the govt might've wanted to ringfence this $150 strictly for groceries which is a necessity instead of just giving cash which may be used for other purposes
[1:53 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Breaking into other people's letter box should be an offence. Hope got CCTV to catch these bad guys. If dont have CCTV, hope G will install CCTV.
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[1:56 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Singapore take part in the SWIFT system for US currency exchange.
Singapore is also the yuan currency exchange.
But now China intend to start a dual currency track by trying out digital yuan to lift itself out of SWIFT US currency exchange to prevent US financial sanctions, Singapore will miss out a big part of the dual financial track if digital yuan takes off.
Thus Singapore must attempt to:-
1. Be a gateway to China for US currency exchange in SWIFT.
2. Be a gateway to rest of the world for yuan currency exchange and participate in China digital yuan.
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[2:02 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Worth considering to minimize letter box theft!?
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[2:03 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Notice that the economy poorer GDP is impacted by:-
1. Low Construction sector (domestic) activity - this is within our control - as we are ramping up construction this last quarter - so growth rate should improve for construction sector.
2. Aviation sector (external) is badly hit - outside our control when oversea travellers are restricted from flying.
SIA stationary meal is the only domestic revenue. Air bubbles for overseas travellers is the only limited revenue we can tap.
3. Tourism sector ( overseas and domestic) - can only rely on tourism voucher to boost domestic tourism. Overseas travellers will only rely on restricted air bubbles.
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[2:03 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Believe it is
[2:05 pm, 14/10/2020] +: i believe it's already an offence, but because there's theft, the offence would be one of theft and not just mischief or damage of property.
[2:06 pm, 14/10/2020] +: to steal is bad. to steal from the poor if really terrible.
[2:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yah lor... so chek ark right???
[2:09 pm, 14/10/2020] +: cheque or anything else also can π
[2:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Are the vouchers tied to NRIC or anything like that to combat misuse?
[2:11 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/docs/default-source/budget_2020/download/pdf/fy2020_grocery_vouchers_faq.pdf
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[2:11 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Meal voucher - why don't send a letter to household.
Household use the letter to collect from cc at 5 locations - central, East, west, north, south.
[2:12 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Then no theft.
[2:13 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
The previous CDC meal voucher use this method - no theft.
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[2:12 pm, 14/10/2020] +: anyway it's possible for them to get a re-issuance, just a bit more mafan...
[2:12 pm, 14/10/2020] +: not sure actually...
[2:12 pm, 14/10/2020] +: We should still try our best to make the process smooth for all as far as possible
[2:13 pm, 14/10/2020] +: And definitely work on dealing with those pathetic people who must resort to stealing
[2:13 pm, 14/10/2020] +: definitely! but it's still a cash equivalent, still have to guard against those who might've used their share and trying to get a 2nd bite at the cherry
[2:14 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Hope they get so much cherry they get poisoned HAH
[2:14 pm, 14/10/2020] +: steal from the rich then so be it lah, but there has to be a special place in hell for those who steal from the poor
[2:14 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes
[2:15 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Ya those who steal from poor super pathetic
[2:15 pm, 14/10/2020] +: PayNow or paylah!?
[2:15 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Voucher how to though
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[2:16 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Wonder why cruise to no where - environmentalists don't complain about carbon emissions.
How come SIA want to fly to nowhere - environmentalists complain?
If SIA don't fly, aviation sector cannot pick up.
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[2:16 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Especially for those without access to tech how ah that's why we still have paper vouchers lor
[2:17 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Speedpost collection box!?
[2:18 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Paperless and digital via cash input
[2:18 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Elaborate?
[2:19 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ: But does the household know how to collect?
Many are elderly.
Cc seems to be a good place where many elderly know how to collect.
Previous CDC meal voucher very successful.
[2:19 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Resident bank account to receive cash iso paper vouchers.
[2:19 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Ah. Good idea.
[2:20 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
But money not food voucher - they may buy other things and not food.
[2:19 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Silver generation ambassadors
[2:21 pm, 14/10/2020] +: π€·♀️
[2:21 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Theft of government paper vouchers is costly!
[2:21 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ: Agree.
[2:21 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Liquor and cigarettes
[2:26 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Can rope in grassroots people to help too but now covid 19, the old people sometimes don't wear masks properly, sometimes talk halfway take out mask adjust adjust, some people don't dare to help them now
[2:28 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I think this theft case is a little similar to last time collection of mask, you scan your IC then you shocked because it says it's already collected
[2:28 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes with every available resource
[2:28 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I know it is a bit rude but when I talk to lao nang then they do that, I instantly move far far away and seek their understanding on G rules and my fears π₯΄
[2:29 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Think that one got cctv so managed to catch the bad people
[2:32 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Perhaps need more push on moral values
[2:32 pm, 14/10/2020] +: We need a major push on that, we have already seen how selfish people can be during CB
[2:33 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yah... i think there isn't enough emphasis on civic-mindedness, and whatever is taught briefly in schools get eroded at home when the kids see their parents behaving in the typical kiasu me-first pattern
[2:33 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes yes if u got ideas please share so that Reach can feedback
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
That's why got to be food voucher - so that they can fill their stomach and not indulge in cigarettes, liquor, buy 4D, Toto etc.
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Ya lor
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: No civic-mindedness means madness!
I think it cannot just stop at educating kids, adults definitely comprise of the majority
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Just wondering maybe crime rates go up
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Due to more needy ppl?
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: actually if i may say, a large majority of the problem lies with the adults....
[2:34 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Times of desperation
[2:35 pm, 14/10/2020] +: IT IS! For far too long has the focus been on the kids when adults are the problem!
[2:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yah.... even in school when the tutors say "form study groups, share information, help each other", the kids will be happy to do so until their parents say "eh you share everything with them, you think they will share everything with you meh? don't disclose everything then you can get tops", then the pattern starts to come out. the same thing is being repeated with adult learners! all the little irritating bits of manipulation and politics, makes me sick
[2:38 pm, 14/10/2020] +: That's sadly the truth and even I go by it though not during studying as I am always there to help people when I can because I stand out in various other ways π
[2:39 pm, 14/10/2020] +: but actually ah, if you are always helping and you realise that your bosses and other people around you are happy to let you carry everything and even get upset when you say you can't help, that's when you start to sianz and start wondering whether you should also hold back a bit to protect yourself
[2:40 pm, 14/10/2020] +: So far I haven't kena any negative responses if I say I can't help but is myself send out that negative response because I always want to help π€
[2:44 pm, 14/10/2020] +: unfortunately i can't say the same.... back when i was working, i got really upset when i found out that people complained about my slow response time (only cos i wasn't available on the office IM and wasn't responding instantly) when i was on MC, nursing a high fever and yet still logging in periodically. now in school, i'm always happy to share my notes and marked assignments for my classmates to refer to, but then i found out that these same guys wouldn't share their notes for the days when i wasn't able to attend class and i quote "you're already top scorer, you don't need it".
[2:45 pm, 14/10/2020] +: that really marked the end of my friendship with this bunch of people... but of course, not without a massive cry-fest and screaming into the pillow lah
[2:45 pm, 14/10/2020] +: That's just bad of them, but that's how we become stronger ourselves
[2:46 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yah.... and with that, i learnt that i can be an island and thrive, like SG. π€
[2:49 pm, 14/10/2020] +: but yah, these are adults. this isn't even civic-mindedness anymore, these people need to be sent to a bootcamp to be taught how not to be a prick
[2:49 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Aiya if not for these pricks, we will become the pricks sooner or later ourselves π
[2:53 pm, 14/10/2020] +: no ah, if not for these pricks, i think we won't start getting prickly ourselves!
[2:54 pm, 14/10/2020] +: The thing is we would have unknowingly been pricks
[2:59 pm, 14/10/2020] +: maybe! but hmm... wouldn't that mean that humans are naturally not nice to begin with...?
[2:59 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Naturally yes
[2:59 pm, 14/10/2020] +: So through these so-called negative forces, those who were subject to it bond together to form stronger friendships
[3:09 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://mothership.sg/2020/10/ntu-plastic-bag-more-sustainable/
[3:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: thought its NTUc
[3:11 pm, 14/10/2020] +: very interesting outlook! quite different from the confucian principle that humans are born good but learnt the different ways and behaviours through the various company he/she keeps.
[3:16 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Consumption taxes such as GST necessary to reduce burden on workers in ageing population: Indranee
Consumption taxes including the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are necessary to reduce the tax burden on younger workers in Singapore's ageing population, Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah said in Parliament on Wednesday (Oct 14).
"If we continue to rely principally on personal income taxes, the tax burden will weigh increasingly heavily on younger Singaporeans who are still working," she said.
Ms Indranee was responding to a question by Member of Parliament (MP) for Bukit Panjang SMC Liang Eng Hwa on how an ageing population would impact the tax burden on the working population.
More： https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/gst-tax-ageing-population-indranee-rajah-13280840
[3:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: As One | Short film series
It’s the little things, the sacrifices, the thought behind the deed ❤️
Public officers working hand-in-hand with the community, to help individuals through the challenges and impact of COVID-19.
Inspired by true stories and told through the lenses of four Singaporean filmmakers πΈπ¬, the ‘As One’ short film series shows us how Singapore rose together, in these trying times.
Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxb6J7RwW1A
Open for Business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP2OW5D3oRU
Making the call
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzvcufsmqjQ
Enjoy Your Stay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57wcRb4gmy4
In Safe Hands
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcdlxTzeb1s
π½️ Catch the full films at go.gov.sg/as-one
#AsOneSG
[3:37 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes, maybe... consumption taxes could be targeted more and used to encourage prudent spending and less wasteful. We have different tiers for car consumption based on environmental damage. How about a GST tiered system so that essentials are not taxed as heavily as luxury goods, for example?
[3:40 pm, 14/10/2020] +: yes, i agree. essentials shouldn't be taxed as much, if at all. it'll take a lot of effort to define what's an essential and therefore tax exempt and what's not, but doing so will help the people a lot more. and if that's being done, may i suggest that the sanitary products for the ladies should be tax exempt, cos it's not like we can help it!
[3:41 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I just took a brief survey today on whether online subscriptions should be taxed. What about the sugar tax the HPB planned? What other things can be taxed?
[3:42 pm, 14/10/2020] +: i think as what Ben suggested, the luxury goods should face a higher tax. like if you can afford to buy an LV handbag, you can afford that additional few percent
[3:42 pm, 14/10/2020] +: subscription of what? newspapers?
[3:47 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Agree
[3:49 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yes, zero% for sanitary products and 100% for imported bottled water!
[3:49 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Yup that is definitely essential for females
[3:52 pm, 14/10/2020] +: 5 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 2 in the community
Singapore reported five new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Wednesday (Oct 14), said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its preliminary daily update.
Two are in the community and three are imported infections. The imported cases were placed on stay-home notices upon their arrival in Singapore, said MOH.
There are no new cases in the dormitories.
More details of the new cases will be released on Wednesday night, the ministry said.
More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-covid-19-community-imported-dorms-moh-oct-14-13279502
[3:55 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Dear contributors, please continue to provide your views on today's topic. Thanks :)
[4:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: 2,800 job seekers placed in traineeship and company attachments under SGUnited Jobs and Skills programmes
More than 20,500 traineeship and company attachment opportunities have been made available under the SGUnited Traineeship and SGUnited Mid-Career programmes, Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said on Wednesday (Oct 14).
More than 2,800 job seekers have placed in such opportunities, Mrs Teo told Parliament. This means about 13.7 per cent of traineeship and attachment opportunities have been filled under the programmes.
More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/job-seekers-traineeship-company-attachments-josephine-teo-13280458
[4:49 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Safeguards in place to prevent Jobs Growth Incentive abuse: Josephine Teo
The JGI is a wage subsidy scheme aimed at encouraging firms to hire more locals. Under the S$1 billion programme, the Government will co-pay between 25 and 50 per cent of wages for local hires, depending on their age.
Measures in place to prevent abuse include tying the payout to the net increase in a company’s headcount, as well as checks by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Mrs Teo said.
She was responding to a question by Member of Parliament Murali Pillai on the safeguards available to ensure companies do not lay off existing employees while using the JGI to recruit new workers.
More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/jobs-growth-incentive-wage-subsidy-abuse-parliament-13281000
[5:05 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Just tied to headcount? So lay off someone on $3k and hire 2 people at 2k, get 50% subsidy to save 1k and get an extra person. Is that allowed?
[5:16 pm, 14/10/2020] +: π
[5:17 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://mothership.sg/2020/10/woman-steal-grocery-vouchers/
[5:17 pm, 14/10/2020] +: or sometimes you might already have budgeted for 1 headcount at $5k, but now you can hire 5 "interns" at 1k each with no promise of retention.
[5:21 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Briton in 12-person gathering on Lazarus Island fined $3,000 for flouting safe distancing measures http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/briton-in-12-person-gathering-on-lazarus-island-fined-3000-for-flouting-safe?&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=addtoany
[5:24 pm, 14/10/2020] +: π
[5:31 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I share similar sentiments.
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[5:35 pm, 14/10/2020] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
(1) GST Consumption Tax is paid by all population 5.65 million in Singapore (even babies milk also bring GST or retiree also pay GST for food).
Hence GST is broadbased tax.
(2) Personal income tax is only focus on those people who are working - 3.7 million.
(3) Eg. To collect $10 billion tax, GST will means each person contribute $1,769.
For personal income tax, each working person will need to contribute $2,702.
(4) Collecting higher tax from personal income tax - almost 1.5 to 2 times that of GST - will discourage people who are working as it drive away talents.
Collecting GST will ensure people consume prudently - and will not discourage people from working.
(5) GST collection must be easy to administer, manage and enforce. Else if we start differentiating which goods are essential and should charge lesser GST and which goods are not ---- then we are in deep trouble - because business will argue their goods and services are essenetal and should invite less GST.
eg. business can argue that pearl rice, france gourmet chicken, abalone, wagu beef, handphone, laptop for student, cars for business etc are essential --- and administering, manageing, enforcing GST become a nightmare --- and the cost of managing GST will exceed the collection of GST revenue --- which don't make sense.
Leveraging GST across the board for all products and services --- and then offer GST rebate to targeted low and middle income people --- will make managing GST cheaper and easy to administer.
Luxury goods will cost more - and attract higher GST in absolute figure.
Essential goods cost less - and attract lower GST in absolute figure.
Hence a one-off GST rebate yearly --- will have helped the lower and middle income people.
(6) Another justification why GST is a fairer tax system as all people use Government infrastructure, goods and services in one way or another --- and hence it is equitable to contribute tax --- in the form of GST.
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[5:36 pm, 14/10/2020] +: π
[5:51 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://mothership.sg/2020/10/woman-meet-friends-circuit-breaker/
[5:57 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Registered Service is an optional sign-for service with tracking and signature on delivery
https://www.singpost.com/contact-us/support-centre/sending-registered-service
[5:57 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Don't understand why is it send to the letter box
[5:58 pm, 14/10/2020] +: It's more related to past practices I guess, plus it would actually be quite resource-intensive
[6:03 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Necessary precautions have been taken to mitigate potential theft by sending the vouchers via registered mail, which is tracked.
[6:03 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Means singpost is at fault?
[6:04 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Won't be surprised seeing how Singpost had its fair shair of problems
[6:04 pm, 14/10/2020] +: On the assumption that registered mail is free for gov service ah, imagine the number of postman required to carry out the job
[6:04 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Exactly, it's resource-intensive
[6:05 pm, 14/10/2020] +: And not to mention if the few attempts, nobody opens up to accept the mail
[6:05 pm, 14/10/2020] +: And/or verification part
----
[6:05 pm, 14/10/2020] +: No verification. As long someone open the house door and sign can liao
[6:06 pm, 14/10/2020] +: There will be bad guys out there impersonating as postman too
[6:06 pm, 14/10/2020] +: And that happens all the time unless the system is well planned with maybe a schedule/notification system that allows for recipients of the vouchers to indicate in the system what time they would be available to collect the goods
[6:06 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Later i receive for me and my wife, and i hide it but my wife complain no receive how?
[6:06 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Isnt this as good as sliding the letter under the door?
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Aiyo
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: This one honestly is your own issue liao if there isn't any trust in the household, please don't make it the gahmen's problem
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Show NRIC la
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Don't give vouchers la
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Lol
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I mean there will be people out there using this tactic to game the system
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Save papper. But invest in computer system at casher to scan nric. Lol
[6:07 pm, 14/10/2020] +: *buy
[6:08 pm, 14/10/2020] +: This one got risk of pdpa leak leh, so many vendor got access to ot
[6:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: I think PDPA only made it even more difficult to pinpoint cases of abuse but I believe verification can still be performed with the so-called last 4 characters of the NRIC
[6:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: But perhaps, imo, it would be smoother if its like mask collection
[6:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: U scan ic to collect
[6:10 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Since the vending machine is already there to begin with
[6:16 pm, 14/10/2020] +: this i totally agree! the govt can't possibly cater for 100% of the situations and its variations because every household is different. so all they can do is to cater for the 80-90% and assume that things will function the way it normally should. and like this letterbox theft, actually i would say that it falls into that 10-20% of exceptions which may be foreseeable but overwhelming in cost to try to preempt.
[6:19 pm, 14/10/2020] +: https://goodyfeed.com/imported-case-positve-shn/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=newsfeed&utm_campaign=active
Guess we should review the test; currently is few days before end of 14 days.
[6:19 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Maybe should test on the 14th days of SHN instead.
[6:19 pm, 14/10/2020] +: As 14 days is the incubation period.
[6:20 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Hopefully
[6:45 pm, 14/10/2020] +: Dear Contributors!
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes* ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
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